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Evening all.

As explained previously on the 'tips' forum; I had a midlife crisis recently and decided to paint little men again for the first time since my finger-painting-standard attempts as a 9 or 10 year old.

Aside from a test piece, this is my first effort, in all its naive glory. Any tips on where I can improve? Good bits? Bad bits? No need to go gentle, I like it rough

That is really an unbelieveable first effort. Well done! the only thing I could think to mention is that I did see a mold line on the back side of one of the arms. The painting is very very good.

Looks great. post some more of your minis

That is a very very nice piece of work...especially for a first attempt.

The yellow on the sword is really good. Yellow is a hard colour to get right, and on top of that the line are really crisp.

Such an inspiring piece of work leaves only nitpicks to comment on.....and the mold line on the gun strap is just such a nitpick.

A piece of advice?
A faded gold-line along the lower part of the cape, a few millimetres above the edge, helps break up such a large area.

Good work and keep it up.

Nice one. Nitpicking is good!

Now you've mentioned the mold-lines, they're glaring! What's the best way to get rid of them? Just run a modelling knife down them? Or do I need a tiiiiiiny file?

I use the back of the hobby knife usually. I always cut into the model with the sharp edge and with a file I find it harder to get it all even on rounded surfaces. I just scrape in one direction with the back of the blade and it usually does the trick.

Its better then what I paint.
And I do so for around 3 years..
*cries*

Chainsword + hazard stripes = epic win.
This is the little + that gives all the awesomeness to an otherwise very 'codex' model.

The_Stormrider wrote: I use the back of the hobby knife usually. I always cut into the model with the sharp edge and with a file I find it harder to get it all even on rounded surfaces. I just scrape in one direction with the back of the blade and it usually does the trick.

I agree.
The back of the exacto knife is plenty good at removing mold lines.

Clean up those mold lines next time.

Run a sharp hobby knife at 90 degrees on the mold line and voila no more mold line!

If you can paint an entire army to that standard you're good to go, and I mean really good to go.

Now the following advice is more about taste than quality.

For a more artsy look:
You can add more highlights.
You can add some OSL.

To keep the realistic look:
You might want to try some weathering techniques such as those explained here.
Or start using some weathering powders or washes on areas that are more exposed to dirt such as the feet and the end of the cape.

And if you want your character to look all important and mighty, well some freehand will impress and make the model a centerpiece.

For example I would
1- Paint a freehand Ultramarines symbol on the cape.
2- Use some Medium Earth powder on the feet.
3- Use the blister foam weathering (linked above) on the chainsword
4- Wash the chainsword with Gryphonne Sepia.
5- Add a bit of gore on the teeth of the chainsword.
6- Weather the gun barrel to show is has been well used. (Good tutorial here)

That is exceptionally neat and tidy for a first attempt. I think once you paint a few more to that standard you can skip all the beginner classes and go straight to the advanced ones!

Non-metal metallics is a good way to start as you'll learn blending, feathering and light sourcing as you go which really helps when trying out other techniques

I have to say, great paint job. I've been painting for almost ten years, with 8 or so fully painted armies between systems, and I would say your stuff looks as good or better than mine. Bravo!

Thanks for the feedback boys!

poipo32, brilliant post. Will follow these up in earnest. Freehanding scares the shizzle out of me, but I suppose you've gotta learn the hard way.

Next stop Njal Stormcaller, which should bring me back down to earth with a thud.

I like your basing. Very sweet. I also dig the hazard stripes on the sword.

Exceedingly well done. Most first timers don't even come close.
You've got talent.

Quite good! I wish I could paint like that bro!

I expected an Elton John & Kiki Dee duet going on here, imagine my disappointment when all I got was an Ultrasmurf captain.



Now I'm happy.

Nice clear paint job, and some lovely looking Helmet Lenses.

If you are having problems with mould lines on curved surfaces I would recommend picking up a de-burring tool. It is my favourite tool for rounding edges, taking off mould lines, cleaning vehicles and tanks. Usually cost about £3 off ebay.

For your first mini post childhood days you've done a sterling job, Good work.

I know the pain of mould line, it's the one thing I always forget to do and constantly try and cover up during the painting process.

Keep it up

You do all realise I'm going to develop OCD (and associated facial tick) over all this mould line advice? That bolter strap has kept me awake for three night on the trot.

My next effort's destined to be de-burred to a withered stump. With hazard stripes.

Hahahaha it looks fine man. Don't fret to much.

I think a lot of us would like to know how you became so good

How did you approach painting a mini after so long out of the hobby?

Do you put it down to age and patience?

Did you have a definite idea of what the finished piece would look like?

Are you THE ONE?

Joking aside, i think the mental approach to painting is a huge factor in how well your mini's turn out. If all you want is three colours to satisfy a TO then that is all you'll ever achieve.

Sometimes you just don't catch these things till you've taken photos and someone mentions the mistake...

Just keep going forward and improving, I'd say all you can do at this point is try some more advanced techniques and post them here because I'm sure it'd be awesome to see more!

HairySackOfMagic wrote:You do all realise I'm going to develop OCD (and associated facial tick) over all this mould line advice?

If it's any help, I really don't care about the mold lines at all. It's a lovely paintjob, and there's only so much lifetime you can spend worrying about perfect toy soldiers..

poipo32 wrote:
For a more artsy look:
You can add some OSL.

Object Source Lighting? Really? On a model with absolutely no glowing equipment - what would be the source? You can't have his armour getting reflective glow from the chainsword....

ArbitorIan wrote:
If it's any help, I really don't care about the mold lines at all. It's a lovely paintjob, and there's only so much lifetime you can spend worrying about perfect toy soldiers..

You Sir, are my kind of painter

This has been a great thread. And from a fellow painter who picked back up the hobby after a 7 year hiatus some time ago, i found your return to be nostalgic for me. Great job on your first mini in some time. Cheers.

Paint the edge of the base! People don't seem to understand how much a painted edge adds.

First attempt?! It looks absolutely bloody awesome! Can't wait to see how good you get with 6 months / a year's practice! Mould line aside (I often miss them myself) it's a really solid paint job.

What colours did you use to get that really rich deep red on the cloak? Really nice smooth layering there...

One possible improvement would be to add some detail to the tabbard. It's nicely painted but because it's quite a large area of white it draws the eye - so maybe some freehand iconography or even just a decal. If you use decals make sure you get some Microset and Microsol to help it form to the uneven surface.

Let's see some moar!

An alternative to removeing the mold line on that strap, would be to make it appear to be stitching of some sort. alot of straps have stitching down the center of the flat side.

Its good to see a top notch painted ultra marine. The mold line stands out but not to much. It still looks great. If this is the first model you have painted, I can't wait to see more from you. Try starting a P&M blog. Keep up the great work

If this is your FIRST piece, then I can't wait to see how you do in weeks/months to come. Great first effort! Keep working!